More MRT-3 trains to ease peak hour commuting - operator

Metro Manila, Philippines - More trains on peak hours beginning Monday, April 21, will ease commuting on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3), the train operator said.

In a statement, the train management said it will deploy three four-car trains at 7am-9am and 5pm-7pm.

It said these can take in more than 1,500 passengers daily.

“With three four-car trains complementing the 16 three-car trains, passenger capacity will be expanded into an equivalent of 20 trains during peak hours, further enhancing MRT-3's capacity,” it said in a statement.

The MRT-3 management earlier extended weekday operations by an hour, heeding the call of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

The transportation chief inspected the MRT-3 on Monday after it halted operations during the Holy Week break for maintenance works.

“Napansin din ni Sec. Dizon ang pagluwag sa pila matapos mag-deploy ng tatlong four-car trains ang MRT-3 tuwing rush hour simula ngayong araw,” the DOTr said.

[Translation: Secretary Dizon also noticed the easing of lines after the MRT-3 began deploying three four-car trains during rush hour beginning today.]

The agency added that it is considering a cashless single journey ticket system to do away with long lines in stations.